Measures declared for construction workers

Bhubaneswar: For the welfare of construction workers across the State, chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced a slew of measures today.

In a bid to provide shelter to the construction workers, Patnaik launched the Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojana. Construction workers who have been registered with Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for a minimum of five years will be covered under the scheme. As part of the scheme, Rs 1 lakh assistance will be provided as housing grant to the eligible construction workers for constructing houses.

Similarly, to provide social security net for the elderly construction workers, the government also announced a pension scheme. Construction workers fulfilling the eligibility criteria of five years of registration will be provided a monthly pension amount of Rs 500 on attaining age of 60 years.

To facilitate purchase of tools and equipments the government has also increased the grant amount. As per the new provisions, the assistance for purchase of working tools is enhanced from Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 per beneficiary.

For migrant workers who are not registered under Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board the State, will be eligible for an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh in case of accidental death during the course of employment. Moreover, in case of grievous work-related injuries, an assistance up to Rs 50, 000 will be provided to meet the treatment expenses.